Material

bronze

Dimensions

Height: 6" Diameter: 4 7/8" (at top)

Creation Date

circa 1660

Description

Cast mortar with slightly flared base and widely flared mouth, with banded central portion. The mouth is cast with fleurs-de-lis, columns of three dots and W, all oriented towards the lip. The central portion is cast with fleurs-de-lis separating EP, the date 1660, R, O, and G, in varying orientations. (XRF testing)

The origins of the mortar and pestle, amongst the earliest of tools, are prehistoric. Used to crush or grind materials ranging from foodstuffs to paint pigments and medicinal powders, their handiness is self-evident. By the period of exploration and colonization, these devices were made from a variety of materials including wood, metal, stone and glass. This example, made from a copper alloy, carries the date of its casting along with a confusing array of initials, letters and devices. These could represent either the foundry that made it, or the party it was created for.

Provenance

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Gift of Michael Weber

Kitchen Artifact ID

Acc. No. 2016-97